RU2692421C1 - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to devices for inputting information by means of perception of change in light intensity instead of traditional input method by pressing. Such result is achieved due to that input device contains at least one key position (110) and control and reading circuit (120). Each key position (110) is provided with light-transmitting window (111) and photosensitive device (112) on it, wherein light-transmitting window (111) is used to fall external light, wherein photosensitive device (112) is provided on the light path behind light-transmitting window (111), wherein the state of the photosensitive device corresponds to the intensity of the incident external light. Control and reading circuit (120) is used for resetting and scanning each photosensitive device (112), as well as for dispensing - in accordance with the scanned state of each photosensitive device (112) - a key signal indicating whether the corresponding light-transmitting window (111) is closed.EFFECT: technical result consists in providing higher response rate, without requiring pressing with fingers, which reduces load on fingers and reduces requirements for accurate coordinated finger movements.12 cl, 7 dwg

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to an input device, in particular, to an input device sensing a change in light intensity.

Prior art

With the spread of electronic products, input devices have found widespread use as peripheral devices. Currently, the main input method is still manual input.

In common input devices such as keyboards, touch screens, buttons, etc. information can be entered mainly on the basis of push-induced state changes. Even in optical mice, push buttons are commonly used as left and right buttons.

However, these push-based manual input methods have some drawbacks, such as finger immunity and fatigue.

Summary of Invention

An input device in accordance with the present invention may comprise at least one key position and a control and reading circuit. Each key position is provided with a light-transmitting window and a photosensitive device on it. A light transmission window can be used to drop outside light. The photosensitive device can be placed in the light path behind the light-transmitting window, and its state can correspond to the intensity of the incident external light. The control and reading circuit can be configured to reset and scan, as well as output - in accordance with the scanned state of each photosensitive device - a key signal indicating whether the corresponding light transmission window is closed.

In accordance with the input device of the present invention, the input information can be obtained — instead of the push input method — by perceiving a change in the intensity of the light, allowing quick response from one side and not requiring fingers to press from the other side; thereby not only reducing the load on the fingers, but also reducing the precise coordinated movement of the fingers, since the finger only needs to be moved to the position in which the light-transmitting window is closed.

Specific examples in accordance with the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an input device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the key position of an input device in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an input device in accordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a general form of an input device in accordance with a third embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another general form of input device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the key position of an input device according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the key position of the input device in accordance with the fifth embodiment.

Detailed description

As shown in FIG. 1, the design of an input device in accordance with the present invention may comprise several key positions 110 and a control and read circuit 120.

Each key position 110 is provided with a light-transmitting window 111 and a photosensitive device 112.

The light transmitting window 111 can be used to drop external light (shown in the drawing with dotted arrows) and can be of any shape and location. Light transmitting windows in different positions of the keys can be separated from each other or can be combined into a single whole. For example, the upper part of the entire input device can be completely transparent, while the light transmission area corresponding to each key position can be viewed as the light transmitting key position window. In some embodiments, the light transmitting window may be a slot or a through hole in the input device mask 131. In other embodiments, the light transmission window may also be a window made of a transparent material and embedded in the mask. As a preferred embodiment, the light transmission window may comprise a condenser lens so that incident external light may be better concentrated on the photosensitive device.

The photosensitive device 112 may be placed in the light path behind the light transmission window, and the state of the photosensitive device may correspond to the intensity of the incident external light. Various types of photosensitive devices may be suitable for use in the present invention, provided that their detectable state can — in accordance with different incident light intensities — generate corresponding changes. For example, photosensitive diodes, photosensitive resistors, etc. may be selected. Depending on the characteristics of various photosensitive devices, a change in their state may be different, for example, a change in resistance or a change in voltage. As a preferred embodiment, a photovoltaic device, such as a silicon solar panel or a thin film solar cell, can serve as a photosensitive device that provides not only the input function, but also the conversion and use of energy.

The control and read circuit 120 can be used to reset and scan each photosensitive device, as well as output — according to the scanned state of each photosensitive device — a key signal indicating whether the corresponding light transmission window is closed. The cover 132 may be, for example, a finger, a stylus, and the like.

Since the intensity of the light illuminating the photosensitive device changes due to the blocking of external light, it is not necessary to place the light source on the device. In order to accurately identify the state of the photosensitive device to the control and reading circuit, it may be necessary to reset the photosensitive device before scanning the key position to eliminate the effect of accumulated light. The so-called reset means the restoration of the photosensitive device in a non-radiated state. For example, it can be reset or reset. Specific methods of resetting or resetting may vary for different photosensitive devices; for example, as a rule, this can be implemented by applying a zero voltage or reverse voltage to the readout terminal for the signal. The specific mode of resetting or resetting can be determined in accordance with the characteristics of the photosensitive device used.

The scanning mode of the control and reading circuit is not limited in the present invention and can be understood by mentioning the scanning modes used in existing keyboards, touch screens, etc. For example, a periodic scan mode or a controlled scan mode may be used; in this case, for example, each key position can be alternately scanned at a specified time interval, or all key positions can be scanned at the same time during each scan.

The logic for determining the state of a key's position used in the control and reading scheme can be built on the basis of actual use. For example, a threshold can be preset, and when a parameter of a photosensitive device, which can vary with light intensity (for example, the resistance value of a photosensitive resistance, voltage value of a photosensitive diode, etc.), is less (or greater) than the preset threshold, the key position is considered closed , as a result of which one input is generated. For example, a threshold having a variable range can be set, and when the measured parameter of the photosensitive device is greater than the set threshold, the key position is considered closed, with the result that one input is generated. The variable range that serves as a criterion can be an absolute value of the change (for example, the difference value compared to the parameter value obtained from the previous scan) or a relative change value (for example, the relative value compared to the measured value in the unclosed state, the parameter value, measured in the open state, may be constantly updated). In some applications, the latter is preferable to be able to accurately determine whether the state of the key position is closed when the intensity of the ambient light changes. In addition, you can use the definition logic, according to which only the state of the key position, changing from unclosed to closed, is considered one input, and remaining unclosed or changing from closed to unclosed is not considered one input. In this case, closing the key position for a long time can generate only one input information, and the second input information can be created by eliminating the closing and re-closing.

The method of issuing key signals used in the control and reading circuit can be built on the basis of actual use. For example, it is possible to output only the key value of the key position, in which the corresponding light transmission window is defined as closed or unclosed; you can also give a signal indicating the status of all key positions in the form of a bit-by-bit display. It should be noted that each key position represents a physical key; in this case, similarly to the traditional keyboard, the physical key may also be a combination key of a set of virtual keys and may differ by a pre-defined input rule (for example, a combination of a set of keys), which will not be repeated in this document.

By creating the size and placement of key positions and the overall design of the input device in accordance with the present invention, various input functions can be implemented. In one embodiment, by creating key positions having the size of a traditional keyboard key and arranging key positions with a predefined rule, the input device of the present invention may be in the form of a keyboard. To simplify identification, letters or symbols corresponding to key positions can be printed or pasted in positions without interfering with the unimpeded use of light-transmitting windows. In yet another embodiment, a key position having a size of a millimeter or less can be created, wherein a plurality of key positions can be placed in a dense two-dimensional matrix, and their upper part is made as a flat body, leading to the formation of an input device in accordance with the present invention in the form of a tablet with sliding input. Of course, different arrangements of key positions can also be combined into one input device, for example, to form a keyboard with a tablet with sliding input.

Since there is no need to press, all key positions of the input device in accordance with the present invention can be implemented as a single unit. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a built-in perforated plate can be used in the upper part, the locations of the light-transmitting windows are deepened or filled with transparent elements, and in the lower part an integral printed circuit board (PCB) or flexible circuit board (FPC), etc. can be used, thereby combining the photosensitive devices with control circuit and readout. Such a structure may well have the best performance, being ultra-thin, waterproof and dustproof. In other embodiments, the key positions may also be separated from each other in order to have an appearance similar to that of an existing keyboard, and therefore a board containing photosensitive devices can also be divided into a plurality of elements.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may also be combined with existing input devices by pressing; that is, with providing a pressure-sensitive device in at least one key position. In such a case, the control and reading circuitry is further configured to generate a key signal indicating that the corresponding pressure sensitive device is activated. The pressure-sensitive device used may be an elastic switching device, a touch screen, or the like. For example, a transparent window may be provided on a key cap of a traditional keyboard, and a photosensitive device can be placed in a key cap, with one key position can provide two input states - “closed” and “closed and pressed”, doubling the expressive possibilities of the key position. In addition, for example, an input device in accordance with the present invention, such as the aforementioned sliding input tablet, may be provided under a conventional touch screen (capable of transmitting light). In this case, the photosensitive device can react when the finger only blocks the light, and the touch screen can react when the finger touches the screen, thereby providing two different input information in one key position. Since such a combined input design has richer expressive input capabilities, the key has a dual purpose. Consequently, in a limited space, by reusing key positions and increasing the size of the position of one physical key, you can use the input device more conveniently and with improved input efficiency.

The input device in accordance with the present invention can be combined with an electronic product or other external units of an electronic product (for example, a loudspeaker or microphone) or separated from them. Therefore, in accordance with actual use, the input device may provide various additional functional modules, which may, for example, be selected from one or more of the following modules:

power module: it is used to power other energy-consuming modules; and it may be a power storage type power module, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery, a supercapacitor, etc .; or it may be a power converter for an external power supply circuit; either it can be a photovoltaic panel (which can either serve as a photovoltaic panel of a photosensitive device, or be an additional photovoltaic panel);

communication module: it is used to communicate with electronics products, transmit key signals, etc .; while it can be a wired or wireless module, such as an infrared module, a communication module in the public radio frequency band, a Bluetooth module, a WiFi module, a WiMax module, a 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G communication module, etc .; It should be noted that a communication module for long-distance wireless communications, such as 3G / 4G, may not necessarily be present in applications such as computer keyboards, but they are preferably used in portable point-of-sale terminals, mobile customer service platform terminals and other remote distributed devices;

additional input module: it can be a module that uses other means of obtaining input information; for example, an image acquisition module for inputting a fingerprint or a palm print, a speech recognition module for inputting an audio signal, etc .; the input information of these modules can be used alternately or in coordination with the input information of the photosensitive device;

storage module: it is used to register historical data and generate input prompts for subsequent input in accordance with historical data, and such prompts can be displayed via other connected external devices, such as a screen; and

interface module: it is used to connect various external devices, and it can include a serial interface, a parallel interface, a USB interface, a memory card interface (such as an SD card, a TFT card), an external loudspeaker or microphone interface, a network interface cable, etc.

Specific forms of the input device in accordance with the present invention are described below by examples.

The first version of the implementation

As shown in FIG. 2, an embodiment of an input device in accordance with the present invention is a multifunctional computer keyboard. The input device may comprise several key positions and a control and reading circuit (not shown). Among them, the key positions using the light input are divided into three groups: the first group, consisting of several positions 210 ’keys, the second group, consisting of several positions 210’ ’keys, and the third group, consisting of two positions 210’ ’keys . Each key position 210 ′ has a size similar to the size of a key in a traditional keyboard, while positioning key positions 210 ′ is equivalent to placing in a traditional keyboard. The size of each key position 210 ″ is at the level of a millimeter or less, and the key positions 210 ″ are placed in a dense two-dimensional matrix that forms a tablet with a sliding input, realizing the function of a sliding mouse. The key positions 210 ″, each of which has a size equivalent to that of a traditional key, are located near the tablet with sliding input, acting as the left and right mouse buttons.

The present invention may also be equipped with the following additional modules: an image acquisition module 241 (such as a photosensitive device in the form of a surface grating) for inputting a fingerprint; and a microphone 243 for speech input along with a speech recognition module (not shown); moreover, the image acquisition module may use the built-in LED light source 242 (located under the photosensitive device) as a light source for collecting fingerprints.

By using voice input and manual input and selecting one of a plurality of key values corresponding to a single key signal according to the input voice signal, or selecting one of the many possible input results at a given moment, the keyboard of this embodiment can greatly enhance the convenience of input. For example, upper case and lower case letters can be selected by using voice input (for example, speech representing an orientation, such as up, down, left, right, etc.), or one of a number of virtual keys representing physical a key, or one of a plurality of words having the same sound can be chosen, and so on. On this basis, on the one hand, the advantages of the convenience of speech input are used, and, on the other hand, the lack of confidentiality of the currently existing speech input is also excluded, since speech itself is not the content of the input.

The keyboard of this embodiment can be used to replace a traditional keyboard and mouse and can be used with various computers through a connection line 244 (for example, a USB connection cable), such as a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, etc. Since the keyboard of this embodiment can be quite ultra-thin and sealed, it can be separated from the computer and used with various computers, which not only conveniently but also reduces costs.

Since the keyboard typically has a large surface area, as a preferred embodiment, a photosensitive device provided at the position of the optical input key may use a photovoltaic device, such as a photovoltaic panel, to perform the function of a light energy converter when the keyboard is idle. The converted electrical energy can be stored in a battery inside the device or can be used by other external devices, for example, to charge a mobile phone. In this regard, the control and read circuit can also be used to switch the keyboard between the operating state and the idle state; resetting and scanning for a photovoltaic device is performed in working condition to receive input from the user; while the photovoltaic device is activated in the power mode in the idle state. Switching between operating and inactivity can be performed automatically by the control and reading circuit. For example, when the state of all photosensitive devices remains unchanged after a specified period of time, the state switches to the idle state, and when the state of any photosensitive device changes, the state switches to a working state; or switching between the operating state and the idle state may be performed in accordance with the switch signal generated by the predetermined switch when the user actuates the predetermined switch. These two switching modes can be used together. Of course, if the photovoltaic device is not used by the photosensitive device, the input device can also switch between the operating state and the idle state, and it switches to work in power saving mode, and not in the power mode in the idle state.

The input device of this embodiment and the following embodiments may be equipped with several additional functional modules, as described above, in accordance with actual requirements that are not described in this document.

Second Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 3, another embodiment of an input device in accordance with the present invention is a multifunctional protective case of a mobile phone. In this embodiment, the input device is connected to the mobile phone 345 via the connecting port 344. The key position is a combination design, its lower part represents the positions of the light-entry key 310a, and its upper part is the touch screen 310b. Photosensitive devices of all positions 310a of the light input keys are obtained by dividing the photovoltaic panel and are located in the form of a keyboard. The photovoltaic panel is integrated with a control and readout circuit (not shown) on the board.

Similar to the first embodiment, the photovoltaic panel at the positions of the light input keys can be used both for input and for power. Preferably, the back side of the input device (protective case) may also be provided in the form of a photovoltaic panel (not shown) in such a way that when the protective case is closed on the mobile phone, it is, nevertheless, charged with light energy.

Third Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 4, another embodiment of an input device in accordance with the present invention is a slide-out keyboard.

In this embodiment, the keyboard is made integrally with the two mutually sliding parts 400a and 400b so that the overall size of the keyboard can be significantly reduced during storage, while the keyboard is more portable. Since the positions of the light input keys used in the input device in accordance with the present invention may well be formed into a solid structure, it is very easy to divide the entire keyboard into two or more parts, while the separated parts can communicate with each other by wired or wireless (for example, infrared a) way.

In other embodiments, the separated portions may also be pivotally connected, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the two parts 500a and 500b that make up the keyboard can be stacked with each other by rotation.

Fourth embodiment

As shown in FIG. 6, another embodiment of an input device in accordance with the present invention should, as applied to a mobile phone, serve as various input keys on a mobile phone.

In this embodiment, the input keys on mobile phone 645 may include: an on / off key 651, a volume control key 652, a main menu key 653, a forward key, 654, a backward movement key 655, and a submenu key 656. Each key can be made by using the light-entry key position design in accordance with the present invention. Alternatively, some of the keys, such as 653/654/655/656, can be embedded in the touchscreen of a mobile phone.

By using the position of the light input key in accordance with the present invention, in order to perform the input keys on the surface of a mobile phone, the mobile phone can be made in the form of a fully closed structure (the light-transmitting window of the light-input key can be covered with a transparent material, for example, transparent plastic, and chargers and external computers, etc. can be used wirelessly); this ensures excellent waterproof performance.

In other embodiments, the implementation of the number of input keys on the surface of the mobile phone can also be increased or decreased in accordance with actual requirements. The position design of the light-entry key in accordance with the present invention is particularly preferred for the on-off key and the volume key, which are typically located on the side of a mobile phone.

Fifth embodiment

As shown in FIG. 7, another embodiment of an input device in accordance with the present invention is a keyboard using a combined key position.

In this embodiment, the light input key position 710a is combined with the traditional keyboard keyboard position 710b with push buttons to form a combined key position having a dual input state. As shown in FIG. 7, the light transmitting window 711 of the position 710a of the light input key is located on the key cap 713 of the elastic key mechanism 713, and the corresponding photosensitive device (not shown) is located on the key cap. In cases where the light transmission window 711 is only closed but not pressed by the user's finger, only the photosensitive device will respond, and when the key cap 713 is pressed, the elastic key mechanism will also react, causing the key position to have dual input states.

The keyboard in this embodiment is suitable for users who are used to using traditional keyboards. In addition, since dual input states can be provided, the number of key positions can be halved, and it is also suitable for application scenarios in a limited space.

The principle and methods of implementing the present invention are described above with reference to specific embodiments, which are presented for the purpose of understanding the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Specialists in this field of technology will be able to make changes based on the principle of the present invention.

Claims (22)

1. An input device comprising: at least one key position provided with a light-transmitting window and a photosensitive device on it, wherein the light-transmitting window is made to drop external light, the photosensitive device is placed in the light path behind the light-transmitting window, while the state of the photosensitive device corresponds to the intensity of the incident external light; and a control and readout circuit configured to reset and scan each photosensitive device and output — in accordance with the scanned state of each photosensitive device — a key signal indicating whether the corresponding light transmitting window is closed; wherein at least one key position is provided with a pressure sensitive device, and the control and reading circuitry is further configured to output a key signal indicating that the corresponding pressure sensitive device is activated. 2. The device according to claim 1, in which there are many key positions, at least some of the key positions are arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule to form a keyboard, or at least some of the key positions are located in a dense two-dimensional matrix with a flat upper part to form a tablet with a sliding input. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive device is selected from the group consisting of an elastic switching device and a touch screen. 4. The device according to claim 1, in which the light-transmitting window contains a condenser lens. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the photosensitive device is selected from the group consisting of photosensitive diodes, a photosensitive resistor and photovoltaic devices. 6. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which the control circuit and the readout is additionally configured to switch the input device between the operating state and the idle state; Reset and scan for a photosensitive device is performed in working condition, while the photosensitive device is activated in the power saving mode in the idle state. 7. The device according to claim 5, wherein the photosensitive device is a photovoltaic device, wherein the photovoltaic device is configured to power an input device or an external device. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the control and reading circuitry is further configured to switch the input device between the operating state and the idle state; Reset and scan for a photosensitive device is performed in working condition, while the photosensitive device is activated in the power saving mode in the idle state. 9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the control and reading circuitry is additionally configured to automatically switch between the operating state and the inactivity state, when after a predetermined period of time the state of all photosensitive devices remains unchanged, the state switches to the idle state, and when the state of any photosensitive device changes, the state switches to a working state; or the control and reading circuitry is further configured to switch between an operating state and an idle state in accordance with a switching signal generated by a predetermined switch that is actuated by a user. 10. The device according to claim 8, in which the control and reading circuitry is additionally configured to automatically switch between the operating state and the inactivity state, when after a predetermined period of time the state of all photosensitive devices remains unchanged, the state switches to the idle state, and when the state of any photosensitive device changes, the state switches to a working state; or the control and reading circuitry is further configured to switch between an operating state and an idle state in accordance with a switching signal generated by a predetermined switch that is actuated by a user. 11. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, additionally containing a speech recognition module configured to input a sound signal, wherein the sound signal is used to select one of a plurality of key values corresponding to a signal of one key, or to select one of a plurality of input results that are currently possible. 12. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which the device is made as a single unit in the form of at least two parts, moreover, said at least two parts are connected in a sliding or hinged manner.

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